Jack had been sent by his company to manage a large computer installation for a Bank. Jack was an excellent manager and also an excellent programmer. He had managed to rent a small bungalow next door to a Convent. It was saving him a lot of money as if he had to rent in the city, it would be costly. He had his dog with him, the bungalow was excellent as the garden was secure and there was also a porch where Shadow's kennel could be placed, which was good if it rained. During the week, Shadow was left outside with food and water.
Next door to the Convent was the Church House where the priest lived, he was in his seventies and still worked as they couldn't get a replacement priest. Next door to him was the Church. The Church owned the bungalow that Jack was renting. When he had viewed it, he had collected the keys from Sister Mary, who had come with him to show him around. Sister Mary was a tall woman, with bright eyes and a beautiful complexion.
The bungalow was ideal for Jack, it everything he needed, a robust Internet connection was his main priority. Sister Mary said, "This property has been lying empty for over two years if you offer them two hundred pounds per month less than they are asking for it, I am sure that you will get it but please don't tell them I told you this."
"I will do that, I won't say a word, who do I phone? I have only an email address." Jack answered.
Sister Mary said, "Is this because you have something else closer that would save on your fuel, you don't need to answer me but I will phone the Bishop's secretary now and put it to them, are you married?"
Sister Mary brought her smartphone out of her habit pocket, "No, I'm single, I am not even dating." Jack replied.
Sister Mary spoke into the phone, "Hello Father Gerard, it's Sister Mary from St Stephens here. I have a young man who is interested in renting the bungalow, he is looking for it for a minimum of a year, as he would have to drive more, he is prepared to offer two hundred pounds less per month than you asking for. He also has until tonight to make an offer on another property. Would his offer be acceptable to you, and if so, how does he proceed?"
"He is tall, well dressed and respectable. I would have to ask him." Sister Mary asked, "How would you pay, Credit Card or Bank Transfer?"
"Whatever is best for you?" Jack replied.
Sister Mary gave Jack a thumbs up sign and a wink. She thanked him, then ended the call. Sister Mary said, "Bank Transfer, and when you take residence, I will have the papers that you need to sign. He will email you today the Terms and Conditions. I'm so happy that you are coming here. Would you like a cup of tea?"
Jack replied, "Thank you so much for helping me, I really appreciate it. Next time you are confession, you will have to confess your little sins. I would love a cup of tea."
Sister Mary laughed then said, "There's a confessional box in the Convent, but it hasn't been used for years. I have already absolved myself, I was only helping another human being out. What's your name? I'm Sister Mary, but please call me Mary if we are alone."
They entered the Convent, Mary showed him into the lounge and went off to make the tea. She brought a lovely slice of cake, which she baked herself. They chatted; generally, Mary asked if he was a Catholic, he said he was. She said that she would see him at Mass on Sunday, the Church now only had one Mass a week unless it was Requiem Mass.
They exchanged mobile numbers, then Jack left.
Jack was now in his second week in the bungalow, he and Shadow loved it. Shadow was a German Shepherd, he was faithful and loveable. Sister Mary adored him and was giving him biscuits during the day.
Jack was one evening taking Shadow for his early evening walk when he saw the old priest going into the back door of the Convent with two bottles of wine in his jacket pockets. It was just after seven. Sister Mary opened the door, she was wearing her black habit.
By coincidence, just after eleven he saw the old priest leave the Convent, he saw Sister Mary again, but this time she was wearing a dressing gown. When Jack had first arrived, he had installed a security camera which covered his front garden where Shadow played. Jack had electrified the gates, they could only be opened with a zapper.
He had given Sister Mary a zapper as she was now taking Shadow for walks. He had a clear sight of the rear entrance to the Convent. He had an HD card in the camera which was motion activated.